ALLEN COUNTY, Kan. — Allen County Commissioners this morning approved the purchase of a new voice recording system for 911 dispatch, opting to go with the premier partner package offered by Equiture, which carries a cost over five years of just over $49,800. This was the package recommended last week by 911 Director Chelsie Decker.
Meanwhile, Emergency Management Director Jason Trego asked Commissioners to consider a change in the county’s emergency notification system. Their current agreement with Code Red runs out at the end of the year, and he’s recommending they move to a Genesis product that would not only cost less but would be more attuned to what Allen County needs versus Code Red.
Trego explained Code Red is more aligned to the needs of more urban communities compared to that of Allen County. The Genesis product would also have additional features including an easier ability to obtain audio from their communication traffic than they have now. A number of other area counties are reportedly moving over to Genesis. Commissioners will continue discussion on this next week.
An inspection last week of the Allen County Landfill turned up no violations. Public Works Director Mitch Garner also discussed ongoing problems related to plastics in the landfill and gave updates on the new compactor and they are about halfway done filling a trench at the landfill.
Road and Bridge Director Jeremy Hopkins in his report said he has a quote to purchase one of the mower tractors they are leasing for a net price of 138 thousand dollars. Commissioners asked Hopkins to look at whether other vendors have tractors with similar hours and warranty to make sure they are getting the best deal. Hopkins also provided updates on chip seal work which is ongoing around Moran and will be moving next to the Carlyle area and Oregon and Texas Roads.
Sheriff Anthony Maness said he has been contacted by Wyandotte County about the possibility of housing some of their prisoners in the Allen County Jail. While this could provide added revenue, Maness noted jail space is very competitive right now with new jails recently opening in both Coffey and Linn Counties. He noted that it’s not unusual for area counties to “swap” inmates between facilities to address security and other issues.
